โHe stood his ground, he knew what was right, he kept his word, and he kept things honest,โ says Hamel's widow, Margo Hearne. I first met Peter Hamel at a conference in the Diocese of British Columbia (now โIslands and Inletsโ) in 1993. Newly ordained it was an early experience for me of the tempestuous... Continue Reading →
Lucy Winkett on the new Archbishop of Canterbury
I first discovered the Rev. Lucy Winkett when she joined the staff of St. Paulโs Cathedral in London UK in 1997. There for many years, first as a minor canon and later as canon precentor she blazed the way for female clergy through what was then a exclusively male enclave. Years later than me she... Continue Reading →
We must balance compassion with accountability โ A Health First collaborative approach for Victoria
Like most cities, large and small, the City of Victoria in British Columbia still struggles how best to harmonize the lives of rich and poor, of those who live comfortable lives with those who live at great risk, on the streets or elsewhere in the community. Despite massive amounts of money spent on programs, no... Continue Reading →
How a โSanctuary Communityโ REALLY operates
[Ken Gray] Today I feature a story of how one community frustrated the efforts of ICE agents in one American city. I think it worthwhile to demonstrate particular resistance actions, hopefully to encourage others to implement similar actions elsewhere. The struggle continues; it is nowhere near over. Not at all. Robert Reich received the information... Continue Reading →
Why Do So Many Christians Believe in Trump?
The more he rejects Jesusโ teachings, the more MAGA rejoicesSteve Burgess 1 Oct 2025 - The Tyee โLove your enemies,โ said Jesus, โand pray for those who persecute you.โ โI hate my opponents,โ said Donald Trump. Trumpโs statement, delivered from the podium at the Arizona memorial for murdered activist Charlie Kirk, makes him anti-Christ. Not... Continue Reading →
Here is a book worth reading โ A focus on Francis
A sermon for the congregation of St. Saviour Church, Penticton on Sunday, October 5, 2025 [St. Francis transferred from Oct 4) by the Very Rev. Ken Gray โPreach the gospel at all times, and when absolutely necessary, use wordsโ Attributed to St. Francis, these words embody the thirteenth-century Italian whose greatest honour was to be... Continue Reading →
Decisions, decisions, decisions
A sermon for the congregation of St. Stephen, Summerland, Canada โ The sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost, September 28, 2025 โ The Very Rev. Ken Gray We heard some months ago Jesusโ declaration of blessing and woe: โBlessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you... Continue Reading →
Remembering Chris โ Kamloopsโ Chris Rose has died aged 89
"How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard."โWinnie the Pooh Wife, Gine, and family members wrote: "Our dear husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend to many, Chris Rose, transitioned peacefully from this life on Wednesday Sept. 24th surrounded by his loving family and the loving care of his nurses... Continue Reading →
RIP Terry Anderson — From Christian belief to moral decision
I did not attend the Vancouver School of Theology so never studied with the late, Dr. Terry Anderson. I did meet him however in the early 2000s as he travelled to Summerland for a weekend event with local ecumenical clergy and our congregations. Summerland Christian community leaders were a diverse lot in those days, ranging... Continue Reading →
On Charlie Kirk, Martyrdom, and Celebrity
Tripp Hudgins, Sep 15, 2025 -- From Lo-fi Gospel minute on SubstackWith thanks to Carol Edwards Iโm still trying to figure out why Iโm allowing this whole situation to take up so much space in my mind and heart. I think itโs because people I love love Charlie Kirk. They admire him. They believe in... Continue Reading →